[Coco] [COCO] ATX to CoCo3 conversion

[Andrew]

David,

You might want to look into the various "tutorials" online that deal 
with using/converting PC power supplies into bench-top power supplies; 
lots of information there which would probably be useful. While I 
wouldn't recommend such a supply for anything more than basic bench-top 
usage (no over-current protection beyond that in the PSU itself, being 
the main reason), there shouldn't be any great issue in using one for a 
CoCo conversion, if that's your goal.

You mainly want the minimum load on the supply so that it properly 
regulates the voltage; I believe that load has to be on the 5V rail of 
the supply, not the 12V rail (but I could be wrong). It isn't a huge 
load, but it does need to be of the proper size of course.

Regarding "new" AT supplies, I know of a place here in Phoenix that has 
a whole shelf full of 'em - still in plastic wrap (no box). But it's a 
hit-or-miss kind of "electronics junkyard" place (for instance, I found 
and purchased an Altair from 'em - needs a ton of restoration work, 
tho!); I think they sell 'em for 10 or 15 dollars each (not sure). It is 
called "Apache Reclamation and Electronics" - they also have a yard in 
NM, but I have never been so I don't know what it carries.

Regarding ATX supplies: Don't go for the cheapest supply; some of them 
can and do catch fire on occasion! You don't need to spend $200.00 
either, but try to stay somewhere in the middle - do your research on 
the supplies. You might also want to look into modular cabling supplies; 
some aren't much more expensive than non-modular, and may make the 
inside of the conversion more convenient to work on.

Andrew L. Ayers
Glendale, Arizona
http://www.phoenixgarage.org/